Jomar Mena’s gregarious personality in and out of the wrestling room has enabled him to make friends across the Greater Middlesex Conference.
“He goes out of his way to meet new people,” North Brunswick High School head coach David Saley said of his 138-pound senior. “He’s a little bit of a (wrestling) club hopper. At weigh-ins (before matches) he always knows somebody. He has friends all around and on every team.”
Inside North Brunswick’s diverse wrestling program, which features student-athletes from multiple countries and of various faiths, Mena is just as outgoing. He developed a natural interest in the cultures and traditions of teammates.
“Jomar has never been asked to do these things,” Saley said of Mena, who will wrestle next winter at Castleton University in Vermont. “He just finds a way to incorporate his teammates into his life, which tends to be very busy.”
Saley was most impressed, however, with a relationship Mena developed with a special needs wrestler in the program.
In addition to serving as his training partner on the mat, Mena escorts the special needs wrestler to the bathroom, befriends him on bus rides, and ensures the young grappler feels welcome in the program and the school’s hallways.
“Jomar spends time with our special needs wrestler, helping him craft his wrestling skills to the best of his ability,” Saley said. “Jomar demonstrates patience and leadership qualities while working with this special needs wrestler.”
For exhibiting compassion, generosity, inclusiveness, and other qualities of benevolence, Mena was honored with a Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award during the league’s 23rd Annual Sportsmanship Awards Luncheon at The Pines Manor in Edison on Wednesday.
The Peter Fund and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation presented Mena with a commemorative plaque and $500 to donate in his name to a charity of his choice that assists Middlesex County children in need.
The Kindness Counts Award was established in loving memory of high school student-athlete Peter Bonn-Elchoness, who died suddenly and without warning in his sleep from a rare disease that causes damage to the heart.
The 17-year-old from Niwot, Colorado was renowned throughout his school-community as a magnetic presence and gifted student-athlete who always looked out for others.
Shortly after his passing just 16 months ago, Peter’s family learned even more about his generosity of spirit through condolence letters they received from his classmates. Among other acts, Peter stood up to bullies, supported kids in crisis, and rooted for teammates and competitors.
His parents, Dave Elchoness and Eve Bonn, were told Peter saved lives. Dave and Eve established The Peter Fund, a nonprofit that encourages young people to mirror their son’s kind nature.
Peter’s father, Dave, an Edison High School alumnus, traveled nearly 1,800 miles to return to his hometown to present Mena with the award.
“Jomar is an excellent candidate for this award,” Saley said. “Jomar takes the time to lead his team as a captain with extraordinary character. He maintains a positive attitude with his teammates, leading by example on the mat as well as in the classroom.
“Furthermore, Jomar takes the time to come to youth practice to donate his time to help the next generation of our wrestling program.”
Mena placed fourth in the 2024 Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament and qualified for the Region V Tournament each of the past three years. He concluded the 2023-24 campaign with a 24-10 record but made a more profound impact off the mat.
“He is a positive role model for the younger athletes on the team,” Saley said. “He demonstrates kindness and compassion every day.”